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For Kathleen Maxian, receiving an ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2009 felt as though her life had stopped while the world went on spinning. In response, she sought out information and support to bring light to a dark, discouraging situation.
Rather than become overcome by fear, she became an agent of change.
“I was told by my gynecologic oncologist that I needed to find a purpose to live for,” says Maxian. “This became the impetus for me to create the Ovarian Cancer Project [OCP].”
That purpose evolved into a passion. Now an expert on ovarian cancer and a three-time survivor who has been cancer-free since 2013, she created OCP to be the source of hope and community she struggled to find in her darkest moments.
Programs for Peace of Mind
What started as a nonprofit designed to provide trusted information on ovarian cancer has expanded to include all gynecologic cancers over the last 12 years. OCP has grown to offer a variety of services including signature Comfort & Hope Totes, filled with essentials for chemotherapy, support groups for survivors and caregivers, mentoring, and financial aid.
The flagship program is a weekend retreat for gynecologic cancer survivors to come together in a nurturing environment alongside other women who understand firsthand many of the most alienating concerns that come with a cancer diagnosis.
“There are no more meaningful words in the English language than ‘me too,’” says Maxian. “When someone shows they understand and have faced a similar experience, they create bonds that are so significant and magical. These women help each other out, sharing suggestions on coping with chemo side effects, family matters, and ways to navigate their cancer journeys.”
Equally as important as time in community is time to be alone. Whether walking the grounds, creating a craft, or writing in a journal, the women are given space to put things into perspective.
“We built this program to help women find hope and meaning,” Maxian explains. “We can’t take away every fear and anxiety with a yoga session or by journaling, but we can help them develop tools to move forward in peace.”
Funding the Change
Apart from a small fee for the retreat, all programs offered by OCP are free. This is made possible entirely through donors and fundraising events throughout Erie and Niagara counties. The program’s biggest fundraiser is an annual geranium plant sale every spring. Since 2013, the team has sold around 200,000 plants and raised nearly $40,000 each year. Sales and sponsorships fund OCP’s financial aid program to help patients overcome medical bankruptcy from hospital charges. Proceeds from the sale keep all OCP programs free of charge.
“We fundraise so we can offer free resources to women, just like myself, who felt the world had gone on without them following a cancer diagnosis. They’re trying to find people who understand what they’re going through and can offer support,” says Maxian. “Helping them is my purpose.”
Contact Info:
Name: Kathleen Kelly Maxian
Email: Send Email
Organization: Ovarian Cancer Project
Address: 8610 Transit Rd. #500 Buffalo, NY 14051
Phone: 716-946-6437
Website: https://ovariancancerproject.org
Release ID: 89125474
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